Many factors, including aging, gravity, childbirth, and other circumstances, can alter the shape and appearance of breasts, leading to sagging and drooping. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, can help restore your breasts’ appearance and boost your confidence. Understanding the cost of this procedure is an essential step in your decision-making process.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure designed to lift, tighten, and reshape breasts. It typically involves removing excess skin and tissue to elevate the breasts and improve their contour. In some cases, it may also involve adjusting the position of the nipples and areolae. A breast lift can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures like breast augmentation or a mommy makeover. While a breast lift can improve breast symmetry and roundness, it won’t significantly change breast volume. Additional procedures like breast augmentation or breast reduction are required to alter breast size.
Good Candidates for Breast Lifts
While anyone desiring firmer, more shapely breasts can consider a breast lift, ideal candidates generally:
- Are in good overall physical health and maintain a stable weight.
- Are non-smokers, as smoking can impair healing.
- Have breasts that are elongated or droopy.
- Have nipples that fall below the breast crease without support.
- Have nipples and/or areolae that point downward.
- Exhibit stretched breast skin and/or enlarged areolae.
- Have asymmetrical breasts.
Types of Breast Lifts
Several different breast lift techniques exist, each tailored to address specific degrees of sagging and patient goals:
Anchor Lift
This technique is used for people with significant sagging that can’t be helped by a less invasive technique. The incision runs the perimeter of the areola, straight down from the areola to the breast crease and then horizontally beneath the breast crease.
Donut Lift (Benelli Lift)
Suitable for moderate sagging, this lift involves a single circular incision around the areola’s perimeter.
Crescent Lift
Typically combined with breast augmentation, the crescent lift involves a crescent-shaped incision along the upper areola. It’s best for people with less sagging, lifting the nipples and correcting nipple asymmetry.
Lollipop Lift
Ideal for moderate sagging without implants, the lollipop lift involves an incision around the areola and a vertical incision extending down to the breast crease.
Scarless Lift
While not entirely “scarless,” this technique minimizes scarring by using laser liposuction or specialized sutures.
Vampire Lift
This nonsurgical option uses injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from the patient’s own blood to stimulate collagen and elastin production, potentially creating a fuller, more lifted appearance.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
The cost of a breast lift varies widely, influenced by factors such as the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, the type of lift performed, and anesthesia fees.
The average cost of a breast lift is around $8,128, but the price range can extend from $3,950 to $14,500. Note that these figures typically exclude facility fees, anesthesia costs, and surgical supplies.
The table below outlines average costs for different types of breast lifts:
| Type of breast lift | U.S. Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Regular breast lift | $8,128 | $3,950 to $14,500 |
| Anchor lift | $7,916 | $6,100 to $15,098 |
| Crescent lift | $6,119 | $3,000 to $12,250 |
| Donut lift | $5,921 | $3,000 to $10,250 |
| Lollipop lift | $5,894 | $4,250 to $8,500 |
| Scarless lift | $5,349 | $2,750 to $9,500 |
| Vampire breast lift | $2,698 | $1,200 to $4,500 |
Breast Lift Costs by State/Region
Breast lift costs also vary depending on geographic location. Here are the average costs for a regular breast lift by state or region:
| State/Region | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,928 |
| Alaska | $8,050 |
| Arizona | $7,668 |
| Arkansas | $7,253 |
| California | $8,248 |
| Colorado | $7,133 |
| Connecticut | $8,535 |
| Delaware | $9,065 |
| Washington, D.C. | $8,816 |
| Florida | $8,576 |
| Georgia | $8,224 |
| Hawaii | $7,270 |
| Idaho | $7,945 |
| Illinois | $8,998 |
| Indiana | $8,471 |
| Iowa | $7,961 |
| Kansas | $7,718 |
| Kentucky | $8,158 |
| Louisiana | $8,169 |
| Maine | $7,488 |
| Maryland | $7,893 |
| Massachusetts | $7,924 |
| Michigan | $8,508 |
| Minnesota | $7,349 |
| Mississippi | $8,743 |
| Missouri | $8,562 |
| Montana | $8,300 |
| Nebraska | $7,724 |
| Nevada | $7,373 |
| New Hampshire | $8,629 |
| New Jersey | $7,093 |
| New Mexico | $7,424 |
| New York | $7,711 |
| North Carolina | $9,092 |
| North Dakota | $8,746 |
| Ohio | $8,996 |
| Oklahoma | $8,617 |
| Oregon | $7,858 |
| Pennsylvania | $7,834 |
| Rhode Island | $9,556 |
| South Carolina | $7,794 |
| South Dakota | $8,374 |
| Tennessee | $7,948 |
| Texas | $9,125 |
| Utah | $6,406 |
| Vermont | $9,342 |
| Virginia | $7,732 |
| Washington | $7,376 |
| West Virginia | $6,796 |
| Wisconsin | $8,241 |
| Wyoming | $7,651 |
Does Insurance Cover Breast Lifts?
Typically, health insurance companies do not cover breast lifts. However, many surgeons offer patient financing options, such as the CareCredit credit card.
Breast Lift Consultations
Realistic expectations are crucial for satisfaction with any cosmetic procedure. During your initial consultation, you will discuss your goals with the surgeon, who will assess your anatomy and recommend the best approach. Be prepared to discuss:
- Your medical history, including allergies and treatments.
- Current medications, supplements, and substance use.
- Previous surgeries.
- Family history of breast cancer, mammograms, or biopsies.
The surgeon will evaluate your overall health and discuss the potential effects of anesthesia and the recovery process.
How Does a Breast Lift Work?
Preparing for a breast lift involves several steps, typically beginning weeks before the procedure:
- Undergoing lab tests to assess your overall health.
- Adjusting certain medications.
- Obtaining a baseline mammogram.
- Stopping anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and aspirin to minimize bleeding risk.
- Quitting smoking.
You will also need to arrange for transportation to and from the surgery and ensure someone stays with you for at least one night following the procedure, as general anesthesia is commonly used.
Breast Lift Procedure
A breast lift is typically performed in an outpatient surgery center or hospital. The procedure generally involves:
- Anesthesia: Either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be administered.
- Incisions: The surgeon will make incisions based on the chosen breast lift technique.
- Reshaping the Breasts: The surgeon will lift, cut, and reshape breast tissue to improve shape and firmness. The nipples and areolae may also be repositioned.
- Closing Incisions: Sutures are used to close the incisions. Surgeons aim to minimize scarring.
Breast Lift Potential Risks and Side Effects
As with any surgery, breast lifts carry potential risks and side effects, including:
- Scarring: Scars are inevitable, but they typically fade over time and can be concealed by clothing.
- Changes in Nipple or Breast Sensation: Some loss of sensation can occur, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Asymmetrical Breasts: Healing can cause changes in breast size and shape.
- Partial or Total Loss of Nipples or Areolae: This is a rare complication resulting from compromised blood supply.
- Bleeding, Infection, or Reactions to Anesthesia: These are risks associated with any surgical procedure.
Breast Lift Recovery Timeline
Following surgery, you’ll wear a special postsurgical bra as directed by your surgeon. Temporary drains may be placed to collect excess fluid. Pain medication and antibiotics are often prescribed. Expect some mild numbness and discomfort during the first week.
Avoid strenuous activity, bending, and lifting for several weeks, and sleep on your back. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines for returning to daily activities.
Some surgeons recommend avoiding smoking, alcohol, and sun exposure during recovery. Always adhere to your surgeon’s personalized advice.
Financing a Breast Lift With the CareCredit Credit Card
The CareCredit credit card can help make breast lifts and related expenses more affordable.
